Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 6

Written Answers. - Asthma Inhaler Propellants.

Dick Roche

Ceist:

72 Mr. Roche asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the target date of 1995-1996 for the banning of certain propellants from aerosols may have an impact on inhalers used for asthma sufferers; and whether he will support any application to the EC for a derogation for propellants used in inhalers for asthma sufferers until such time as an alternative non-CFC delivery gas suitable for use with asthma inhalers is identified.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

Council Regulation (EEC) No. 594/91 on substances that deplete the ozone layer provides for phased reductions in the production and consumption of CFCs in the period to June 1997 and prohibition of these substances from the market thereafter.

The EC Commission is however required to determine any essential uses of CFCs for which adequate alternatives or recycling possibilities do not exist and to permit the production and marketing of these substances until end 1999 at latest. This exception is intendedinter alia to facilitate essential medical applications of CFCs.